Update! Meltdown-Spectre
Security Vulnerabilities

As we reported last month, massive security vulnerabilities in modern CPU hardware code-named Meltdown and Spectre put all operating systems at risk including Windows, Linux, Android, macOS, iOS, Chromebooks and others. Nearly every device made in the past 20 years is affected. The enormity of affected users and units have left Intel and others scrambling for patches, fixes and more permanent remedies.

In an announcement that sent healthcare stocks tumbling, three of the biggest players of the land said they would partner to address ways to reduce US employee healthcare costs. Of particular note is their emphasis on pursuing solutions “free from profit-making incentives and constraints.”

Jamie Dimon, CEO of JP Morgan Chase said, “The three of our companies have extraordinary resources, and our goal is to create solutions that benefit our U.S. employees, their families and, potentially, all Americans.”

Reuter’s notes that the move would take on the world’s most expensive healthcare system, and could directly impact the industry’s “middlemen,” from health insurers to pharmacies and benefits managers. A source unable to comment publically said they intend to share the strategies and technology they develop for the economy and the government.

Anthem Inc, Express Scripts, United Health Group, Cigna, and CVS were among the many healthcare stocks that took a dive following the announcement.

Tech Talk: What’s trending for 2018? Computer World: The end of passwords may – or may not – be nigh. Blockchain is clearly evolving, as is ‘serverless’ computing. And our panel remains convinced Apple’s HomePod is late to the game.

Word 2016 cheat sheet Computer World: Are you getting the most from Microsoft Word 2016 for Windows? Get to know the key features.